"Are the children ok?" Rachel asked.

"Yes. They're watching TV for now." Quinn replied.

Rachel glanced at the new born currently still attached to Quinn's front in a baby carrier.

Quinn noticed and glanced down.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't leave her up there with the kids. She.."

"No, it's ok. I understand." Rachel gave a small albeit tired smile. "How old is she?"

Quinn bit her lip as her eyes took on nervous affection. "Two months."

Rachel nodded.

"So, I guess your wondering how I got you the money?"

The two blonde's nodded.

"Well, it's my own money." Rachel assured. The two blonde's eyes bulged out their sockets. "It's money from my business account not my personal account. So you don't owe anyone anything."

"Yes we do. We owe you." Quinn replied.

"No you don't, actually." Rachel replied calmly.

"Rachel that was 12,000 dollars. No one just gives that away for free. You must expect something in return." Quinn counter.

"Your right. I do."

Quinn and Sam's stomach's bottomed out. "I knew it.." Quinn whispered in broken disbelief.

Their was a small sliver in her of hope that Rachel was genuine when she said they wouldn't owe her anything.

Sam's eyes shut as he too felt the weight of owing some one again. Only this time it was 2 grand more.

Quinn shot to her feet. "I can't believe for moment I believed you. Is that why you brought us out here. So we would have no choice but to do what you say?!" Quinn's anger was building.

Rachel held eye contact with a blank emotionless stare.

The blonde had angry tears streaming down her face as she stared back ferociously.

Rachel stood up and walked over to a bar like table with a beautiful crystal canter and glasses.

She casually uncapped a canter and poured herself a quarter glass of a dark amber liquid.

She gulped it down feeling the tasteful burn flow down her throat before pouring herself another quarter glass than turning her attention back to the blonde's.

Sam and Quinn could smell the strong smell of whiskey from where they stood.

"Please, sit." Rachel gestured to the couch the two were sat on before they stood up after the brunette's truth.

You could tell Quinn didn't want to but did as she was told.

Rachel walked back over and sat back down as she sipped her drink.

"I think it's time for us to get to know each other better before we jump to any conclusions. Though you seem to already have." Rachel said casually calm.

"What are we suppose to think?" Quinn quipped.

"Quinn!" Sam warned.

His sister was always fearless when it came to challenges and he admired that about her.

But sometimes she didn't think to worry about who she was snapping at and what they could potentially do.

They were literally in a secluded wooded area. No one knew where they were.

Rachel could do anything to any of them and no one could save them.

Which is why he was doing his best to remain calm.

Clearly Quinn couldn't contain her disdain if the look on her face was anything to go by.

Rachel stared at the blonde and was secretly impressed with her fearless backbone.

She was strong willed and by the look in her eyes you could see that she could easily be dangerous if trained properly.

Anyone who took her under their wing who had no compassion could potentially create a monster but some one like herself would maintain the blonde's humanity.

Creating a natural born leader, lethal but conscious being capable of anything.

Sam would be a very good wolf in sheep's clothing.

He had the soft puppy look like he wouldn't hurt a fly.

But Rachel could see the underlying fighter beneath the surface.

He possessed a level head as does Quinn after watching the two for the last couple of weeks.

The only difference between them is when Quinn is upset enough and has something to say she says it consequences be damned.

Sam never ever steps out of line though and tries to keep Quinn in place.

Together they had a beautifully perfect balance.

"Well? What do want from us?" Quinn questioned less harshly but with a tinge of betrayal.

"That's simple Quinn. I just don't know if your stubbornness will get in my way of acquiring what I want."

At those words Quinn tensed. It had to do with her?

"You want something from me specifically?" Quinn asked rhetorically in a resigned hurtful tone.

She should have known. Every one always wanted something from her.

It was never Sam or any of the kids or even her mother. It was her and the only thing they ever wanted was sexual.

She had already been through the ringer before because of her father's stupidity.

She had to pay his price not her mother.

It was the price that led to her down fall at Mckinely and Finn had been livid when the news spread.

She became easy lay Fabray then. Finn came up with it.

It wasn't that Rachel wasn't attractive and if she shut her eyes and let her mind detach she could try to pretend it was mutual.

Though she doubts it because it never worked for her all the other times when she had no choice in the matter.

But Rachel was a girl maybe she could. Maybe it'd be different and she, Sam and the kids could leave and they wouldn't owe her anything.

Quinn's thoughts whirled until it came to a halt as she decided she would cut to the chase.

Get it over with and get them out to safety.

Rachel had been watching the blonde as a myriad of emotions took over her features until they settled on determined.

"How do you want me?" Quinn spoke strongly.

Sam's eyes shut as they welled with tears and his jaw clenched.

Rachel's mouth fell open and her eyes bulged. "I beg your pardon?" Rachel asked.

"You heard me." Quinn replied.

"Yes, I heard you but I'm not sure I understand."

"Are we doing it here because we can get this over with now than you can take us home." Quinn replied.

"Hold on, what do you think I want?"

"You've made yourself clear. My stubbornness stands in the way. It's obvious what you want from me."

"Which is?"

"What every one always wants from me. To fuck the head cheerleader. To be your sex toy until you get bored than toss me away like yesterdays garage or did you forget the 'easy lay, Fabray' saying." Quinn's eyes were flashing as a coldness radiated off of her.

Rachel was dumbstruck and confused as to how the blonde came to that conclusion of all things.

Rachel stood up and Quinn fought her body to stay firmly in place.

They could throw slushie's in her face. Embarrass her, mock her anything but she will not allow any one take her strength, dignity or pride.

She may crumple and stumble in her emotions sometimes when things become too much but right now wasn't one of those moments.

"Quinn. That's not.." Rachel swallowed thickly as a realization dawned on her."That's not what I meant."

Quinn felt slight relief as did Sam.

"If not that, than what? You know we can't get that kind of cash back to you. We couldn't even pay the original debt without your help."

"I'm aware and I think you need to calm down and stop jumping the gun."

"How am I suppose to feel? What am I suppose to think, Rachel?"

"Can we go for a walk?" Rachel said instead of answering.

"What?" Quinn asked in confusion.

"Sam do you mind watching your siblings until we get back?"

Sam looked worried and nervous. Rachel knew that when it came to the decision making it was clear Quinn was the ultimate decider.

Sam looked to Quinn as she expected he would. Quinn took a deep breath and nodded.

Quinn began unstrapping the baby carrier from her chest, handing over the new born to Sam.

Just then a woman entered the room wiping her hands on her apron.

"Rachel, dinner is ready." She said to Rachel with a kind smile.

"Thank you, Carmela. Sam and the children will be joining you. Quinn and I need to speak in private. We'll be at the lake if you need us."

"Yes, ma'am." With that the woman scurried back to the kitchen.

The two blonde's looked at Rachel still in shock.

"My maid though I don't like that term. She is a very dear friend that I happen to employ. She cooks, cleans and takes care of the house when no one's home. You have nothing to worry about, I promise." Rachel assured.

The two teens nodded. "Sam, why don't you go up and gather the kids. Quinn and I will return shortly."

Sam and Quinn hugged than he and the new born headed upstairs to get the kids.

Rachel walked to the front door and opened it. She grabbed a North face coat from the coat rack holding it out to the blonde.

"It will be cold out there."

"What about you?"

"I have a coat as well."

Quinn nodded than took the coat slipping it on.

Rachel slipping hers on as well.

The two exited the house and Quinn is very happy Rachel offered the coat because it was cold.

The two walked in silence as they watched the sun set.

The lake was down the hill. When they reached the lake the cabin was still visible to Quinn which eased her tenstion.

"So.. What do you want?" Quinn asked gently.

So far Rachel hasn't given her a reason to be bitchy but the amount of worry and stress over everything, not to mention she was still waiting for her mother to contact them because she didn't know if she was ok. Had sent her over the edge earlier.

She didn't mean to snap at Rachel but god the whole mystery, riddle speaking brunette only made her more nervous.

"Right to the point, eh? I like that, Fabray."

"Please stop calling me by my last name. That's how they address me."

"Sorry. It's sort of a habit now since that was all I could call you when I first started at Mckinely. I'll try not to." Rachel promised sincerely.

Quinn felt more tension leave her at the brunette's soft understanding.

"When I made the statement about your stubbornness. I meant will you or won't you give me a hard time. I've been watching you and I honestly am not suppose to spend my time here worried about you."

Quinn's head whipped to the brunette with surprised eyes at the word 'Worry' but Rachel's eyes were gazing across the lake at the setting sun.

"I don't understand. Why would you be worried about me. You don't even know me."

"I don't but.. There's something in my gut telling me that you need me. When my gut is firm in it's telling, I listen. Hence, me giving you the twelve grand."

"So, you helped us simply because your gut instinct told you to?"

"Pretty much but then I stumbled upon your serious situation and it appears you and I have a common enemy."

Quinn's eyesbrows hit her hair line.

"The people you owe money to." Rachel the unasked question.

"How? Why?" Quinn asked flabbergasted.

"I can't tell you the how nor can I tell you the why but what I can tell you is from now on you and your siblings will be safe."

Quinn was wary again. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because I'm always there Quinn. Even when you think I'm not, I am."

"But that doesn't matter them. Any one could be standing there. They still wouldn't care. They hurt anyone they want no matter whose watching."

"Neither do I. I don't have the slightest care in my bones for them and honestly won't hesitant in my actions if the need arises."

"Why are you even putting your self in jeopardy for a stranger?"

"You still don't get it, Quinn. I was apart of this before you and your family were even a bleep on their radar."

Quinn's eyes widened a fraction. The blonde and brunette stared into each other's eyes and Quinn could finally see.

She could see beneath the façade the cold calculation in chocolate eyes.

She could see the anguish, pain and sadistic revenge waiting to be released.

"I'm just like you, Quinn. They took something from me too. I'm back now and order will be restored." Rachel said with fire in her eyes.

"That's why your here? For them?"

"I'm here for a lot of reason but you don't need to worry about that. Now, that you understand that I don't intend to harm you in any way. Are you willing to listen and allow me to follow through with what I have planned as far as what I want.

"Yes within reason of course."

Rachel smiled. "I love that your not easily pleased attitude."

"Stop deflecting, Berry."

Rachel chuckled as her chest filled with warmth at the smirk and raised eyebrow thrown her way by Quinn.

"I can't imagine staying in a place they could come to anytime they feel like they want to. It makes you uncomfortable and keeps you on edge."

Quinn nodded that Rachel was right.

"Which is why I hope you will accept my offer to stay in one of my houses."

Once again Quinn was left speechless.

"Come again?"

"I have a loft and I own the building. On the outside it looks like shit because that's the way it's suppose to look. To stay hidden in plain sight. It has all the accomodations you'd need with the exception of a crib but that can be taken care of easily."

"Rachel."

"Let me finish please. If you and Sam choose to decline I'll understand but here me out."

Quinn nodded.

"It's no where near any (you know whose) properties or businesses. It's on my side of town that is still owned in my family's name, so no one can touch it. Not that they would because they can't. I'm sure you've noticed their never caught dead on the east side of Lima."

"Yeah 5 points."

"That's right, five points is my area. Though it's been inactive for years that doesn't mean they can cross that invisible boarder that keeps their business away from ours."

"I don't know, Rachel. I appreciate the offer but what if they come looking for us. I don't want to cause you unnecessary problems when you have nothing to do with this."

"Once again, I have everything to do with this but I understand. Listen, now that you know the offer's on the table. How about we head in, get some dinner and relax?"

Quinn's eyes welled with tears as she stared into the brunette's eyes. She couldn't stop herself if she wanted to.

She slid her arms around Rachel's neck pulling the surprised brunette into a hug.

Rachel's arms slid around her waist securely.

"Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me. Just enjoy a weekend of no problems, ok?"

Quinn nodded in her arms as she felt security for the first time.

She felt emotions buried deep escape along with her tears. Trying to maintain a strong unshakable façade every day took a lot.

But on that sand of the lake in Rachel's arms she let go.

She cried for so many reasons and Rachel just held her steady.

Whispering words of assurance in the blonde's ear as she ran her hand up and down the blonde's back in a soothing manner.

By the time they made it back to the cabin it was nightfall.

When they entered Sam stood from the couch worry etched on his face as the kids sat around him.

"Quinn!" One of the kids called out causing the others heads to shoot up in her direction.

The little blonde that spotted her first ran to her eagerly followed by the other two.

Quinn stumbled by the weight slamming into her waist.

"Hey, guys."

"Where did you go?"

"I went with my friend Rachel to have some girl talk."

"Oh." The little girls blue eyes than cast to Rachel.

Rachel smiled. "Hello."

The girl looked hesitant as she glanced at her older sister. Quinn nodded that it was ok for her to introduce herself.

"Hi."

What's your name?" Rachel asked sweetly.

"Charlie."

"It's nice to meet you Charlie. How old are you?"

"Eight."

"Cool."

Rachel's eyes cast to the two other blonde's behind Charlie.

"And what are your names?"

And just like Charlie they looked to Quinn for permission to speak. Quinn nodded encouragingly.

"I'm Stevie." The boy answered first.

"I'm Stacy."

"They're twins." Quinn spoke up.

"Really? I'm a twin as well."

The kids eyes shined at the news.

Sam and Quinn were also surprised.

"Really? I didn't know." Quinn said with a smile.

"Well, I'm actually a triplet."

"Where are your siblings then?" Sam asked. Finally involving himself in the conversation.

"They live in another state." Rachel said simple.

Sam and Quinn could tell by her tone that her siblings were not up for discussion.

"Did you all get to eat?" Rachel asked.

"Yeah, we just finished actually." Sam answered.

"Oh ok. Well than how about Quinn and I grab our plates and we set in for a movie night?"

"YAY!" The kids cheered as they clapped.

Sam and Quinn smiled at their siblings happiness.

"Oh I almost forgot something. Uh, Sam could you show Quinn where the kitchen is than ask Carmela to show you to the entertainment room. Don't wait for me to start a movie. I'll be joining you all soon. I just need to take care of something."

"Ok." Sam and Quinn nodded than headed to the kitchen being trailed by their excited siblings.


'You did what?! Are you insane?!'

"Must you yell? I knew I shouldn't have called you."

'You know your right. You shouldn't have if you expected me to be calm about this!'

"What was I suppose to do, H?"

'Uh Hello! Let them deal with their own shit!'

"Would it kill you to exercise that beating heart that god gave you?"

'Yes, actually it would.'

"Look, you know me. People need help some times and.."

'Yes, I do know you and normally you don't go around doing stupid shit like this! What is it about this Barbie bitch that has you so committed? Did she let you tap it?'

Rachel choked on air. "What?! NO! Why the hell would you say such a thing?!"

'Because I do know you. We all do. Your meticulous, focused and cautious. You do a clean job no matter the cost but right now I'm wondering if miss America has you losing sight of what's important!'

"I'm not losing sight of anything. I have compassion, H! Something you seem incapable of having! I help people!"

'And Helping PEOPLE will get you killed! What's the first rule?'

"H.."

'No! Tell me what's the first rule?'

"Never get involved." Rachel grumbled.

'And what are you doing now?'

"Screw you! I know what I'm doing!"

'Do you really?!'

"Yes, I do! I know the risks of helping them! I know I put myself and this entire thing in jeopardy but like you said, I'm focused. I can get the job done with out so much as a hair out of place! Which is why I was sent here! Unlike you who just loves to purposely get your hands dirty!"

'It was only six times and I apologized for that!'

"Still, H! I know what I'm doing so you can stop with your self righteous bullshit!"

'Fine, if you say you know what your doing than fine but do not let this get in the way of why you're there."

"I won't."

'It better not or it's that Barbie bitch's head, are we clear?'

"Yeah. Oh by the way, H?"

'What?'

"You threatened Quinn again and I'll blow your fucking brains out."

'Love you too, Baby.'

"Love you too."

Rachel hung up the phone in annoyance.

She pulled into the parking lot of the store front and stepped out.


"So she just wants to help us?" Sam asked in disbelief.

"That's what she said."

"Because we have a common enemy?"

"I don't know if it was strictly just that reason but it kind of felt like there was another reason. I don't know but Sam we can't stay at her place."

"Why?"

"Because we haven't even heard from mom. We don't know if she's alright or not and they could be at the hotel room looking for us now. I don't want to pull Rachel into our fucked lives when all she's been is kind to us."

Sam nodded his agreement.

"She did say the offer will always be on the table, right?" Sam asked.

"Yes, if ever we need it. It's there."

"That makes me feel better."

"Me too."

"Shhh!" Stevie shushed them as all the kids eyes were glued to the 70 inch TV screen.

Sam and Quinn smiled at how at ease and happy they looked.

They hadn't been so lively in a long time. They always looked sad.

Just before Quinn and Sam could be lost in deep thought Rachel rounded the corner entering the entertainment room with her own large bowl of food and a beer in her hand.

She took a seat at the corner of the couch. Quinn was in the center and Sam was at the other end.

The kids were laid out on the floor with wide eyes still glued to the TV.

Quinn and Sam looked at Rachel and smiled.

Sam leaned forward and whispered. "Thank you, Rachel. For everything."

"Don't mention it." Rachel whispered back.

Sam sat back and his eyes were back on the screen.

Quinn and Rachel held eye contact for a moment as they smiled softly at each other.

Rachel winked and the blonde ducked her head as she flushed causing a flutter in Rachel's belly at the sight.

The two soon aimed their focus at the TV enjoying the movie that was playing and the peace and safety that came with it.